Memo states that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody
US President Donald Trump’s administration is facing mounting criticism from his staunch “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) supporters after the Department of Justice (DOJ) formally dismissed longstanding conspiracy theories linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a memo made public on Sunday, the DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) concluded that there was no credible evidence indicating the existence of a “client list” or that Epstein had blackmailed high-profile individuals.
The memo further stated that Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody — a finding consistent with earlier official reports but frequently disputed by Trump’s right-wing base.
The decision to close further public inquiry into the matter has sparked a wave of discontent among Trump’s political base, which has long argued that “Deep State” actors shielded prominent Democratic figures and Hollywood elites with alleged ties to Epstein.
Notably, far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Next the DOJ will say ‘Actually, Jeffrey Epstein never even existed.’ This is over the top sickening.”
While President Trump himself has thus far avoided direct blame, key figures in his administration are facing sharp criticism. FBI Director Kash Patel and his deputy Dan Bongino have come under fire, but the most intense backlash has been directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Bondi, who previously appeared on Fox News claiming to possess Epstein-related files, had assured viewers that the administration was committed to transparency. Her credibility was further undermined when “The Epstein Files” binders distributed to right-wing influencers at the White House were revealed to contain mostly public information with no new disclosures.
“She is an embarrassment and she doesn’t do anything to help Trump,” far-right activist Laura Loomer posted on social media. “President Trump should fire her for lying to his base and creating a liability for his administration.”
The controversy deepened after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to clarify Bondi’s remarks, suggesting she was referring broadly to Epstein paperwork — a comment that did little to pacify anger among MAGA loyalists.
“This is what happens when the dog catches the car,” political analyst Chris Cillizza commented, suggesting that Trump’s inner circle is now being accused of becoming the very “Deep State” it has long railed against.
The latest development represents one of several fractures within the MAGA movement. Trump’s recent announcements — including plans to resume military aid to Ukraine, a surprise strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and calls for reduced immigration raids on American farms — have provoked strong reactions from within his own base, which has traditionally taken a non-interventionist and hardline stance on immigration.
Adding to the political pressure is the emergence of a new party launched by Elon Musk, a former Trump ally turned critic. Musk, who recently had a public falling-out with the president over federal spending, has raised doubts about Trump’s willingness to be transparent regarding Epstein.
“How can people be expected to have faith in Trump if he won’t release the Epstein files?” Musk wrote on his platform X.
At a recent cabinet meeting, President Trump appeared visibly irritated when questioned about the matter. “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?… Are people still talking about this guy, this creep? That is unbelievable,” he said.